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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.